A momentous respite from the scorching heat, Mumbai received glaring rainfalls accompanied by dust storms and lightning this Monday. These early monsoon rains, though bringing in some much needed halt from the severe heat wave, also came with an intensity that left a grey blanket enveloping the city.
With severe rainstorms strong enough to tear down billboards, Mumbai international airport also suspended aircrafts due to low visibility causing 15 diversions. Cases of uprooted trees, power outages and water-logging were also noted across the city.
Several pictures and videos storms the internet showing Mumbai with strong gusty winds clouded in a dusty shroud.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) further mentions that ‘There is a possibility of light rain/thundershower in the evening/night on Tuesday. Maximum and minimum temperatures will be around 35°C and 28°C respectively.’ They have also issued a yellow alert for adjoining districts- Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Solapur, Latur, Beed, Nagpur, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg.
According to the chief of IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) ‘Essentially, when thunderstorm activity commences, ground wind speeds escalate along with brief bursts of gustiness. These sudden gusts can cause rapid damage. We had forecasted this thunderstorm nowcast, and as predicted, it lasted for approximately one hour. Such occurrences are termed Short-Lived Phenomena, lasting anywhere from one to one and a half hours, characterised by strong winds that pose a heightened risk of damage within a short span. A similar situation is anticipated on Tuesday – May 14.’
It is further advised by the IMD to stay indoors and seek shelter under sturdy buildings to avoid proximity with live wires and hoardings.